LONDON METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY
Module Specification template
Section One: ABOUT THE MODULE
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Module title
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Module code
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Module level and credit rating
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Faculty
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School/Subject Discipline
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Teaching locations
northnorth
Introduction to Cell Biology
BM7111DL
Level 7Level 7
1010
Life SciencesLife Sciences
School of Human SciencesSchool of Human Sciences
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DayDay
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Teaching period
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Pattern of attendance
Required prior learning
Module description
BM7111DL
Introduction to Cell Biology
This module aims to expose students to some of the key questions of cell biology concerning the
structure of cells and intracellular activities.
Semester: Autumn, Spring, Summer (10 credit)
Required prior Learning:
Assessment: Quizzes (200 words) (20%), reflective learning log (1500 words) (40%), coursework (1500
words) (40%)
Module aims
The aims of this module are aligned with the qualification descriptors within the Quality Assurance
Agency’s Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. To expose students to some of the key
questions of cell biology concerning cell structure and intracellular activities, enable students to
understand the concept of cell theory. The module also aims to provide students with an insight into
the practical investigation of cell biology through participation in on-line virtual labs, to research a
topical issue in depth and present it at an appropriate level and to reflect on the topics studied and
their application in biomedical practice.
Module learning outcomes
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On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Display an understanding of basic cell structures and an awareness of different cell types and relate
the structure and activities of cell components to their functions and to cellular activities as a whole,
and have an appreciation of how cell fractionation is used to isolate these components
2. Describe the different ways in which cells can divide and explain how cells obtain energy, and how
they use energy for driving reactions within the cell
3. Understand a range of appropriate and relevant experimental techniques and how they are used and
research, evaluate, and discuss key issues within the subject area and communicate the results in a
cogent and balanced manner.
Indicative syllabus – for full details see section C in Module Booklet
Cell theory. Range of cell types: prokaryotes; eukaryotic cell specialisation. Overview of differentiated
cells in multicellular organisms; cell staining for life and death.
Plasma membrane structure and functions; movement of molecules/ions across cell membranes;
membrane junctions; signal transduction-hormonal/neural.
Maintenance and change of cell shape; cell movements. Microtubules in e.g. nerve, cilia, spindle.
Muscle microfilaments and contraction.
The nucleus. Chromatin; chromosome structure and organisation. Mitosis and the cell cycle. Meiosis.
Consequences of abnormal cell cycles. Chromosomal aberrations.
Intracellular compartments; ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), Golgi and lysosomes. Overview of
protein synthesis and processing. Roles of smooth ER and lysosomes. Energy transduction. Chloroplasts
and mitochondria. Overview of energy metabolism and electron transport.
Cellular communication and signalling, Receptors, Transduction, Response.
Overview of Local and long–distance cell communication in animals.
Cell interaction in the immune response. Cytokines. Overview of Immunity and the immune system.
Principles of molecular cell biology: DNA synthesis and replication; regulation of gene expression and
protein synthesis.
Indicative bibliography and key on-line resources – for full details see section D in Module Booklet
Alberts B, Bray D, Hopkin K. Johnson A, Lewis J, Raff M, Robert, K, Walter P. (2008) Essential Cell Biology
3rd Ed. Garland.
Becker W, Kleinsmith L, Hardin J. (2012) The World of the Cell 8th Ed. Benjamin Cummings.
Reece JB, Urry LA, Cain ML, Wasserman SA, Minorsky PV. (2011) Campbell Biology 9th Ed. Pearson.
Jones A, Reed R, Weyers J. (2002) Practical Skills in Biology. Prentice Hall.
Learning and Teaching strategy for the module including approach to blended learning, students’ study
responsibilities and opportunities for reflective learning/pdp
Information pertaining to the subject matter will be presented through an integrated programme of
lectures and supporting exercises, together with some use of a problem-based learning approach and
the guided use of student-centred learning resources. Lectures will be used to provide a conceptual
framework. Student centred assignments will enable students to reinforce and expand their
knowledge, and develop subject specific skills and competence.
Indicative learning and teaching hours for the module. Learning hours comprise face-to-face and virtual
contact hours plus self-managed and directed learning and time spent on placements (where relevant).
Method
Description and percentage of learning hours
Scheduled learning and teaching activities
Guided independent study
100 (100%)
Total Learning hours for the module
100
Assessment strategy
The module will be formatively assessed by in-course online quizzes (20%) and two coursework
components. A reflective learning log (1500 words) (40%) and a written assignment (40%; 1500
words). Criteria for assessment will include an understanding of the subject matter; an ability, both
orally and written, to explain, describe and discuss the work; completeness and conciseness of
written reports and essays with emphasis upon critical ability and scientific rigour. To pass the module
students need to achieve a minimum aggregate mark of 50%.
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Component
Learning outcomes
Quizzes
1,2,3
Reflective learning log
1,2,3
Written assignment
2,3
Arrangements for formative and summative feedback
Written feedback on the coursework will be given at the end of the module
Description of assessment items
Assessment
Method
Practical
ExamPractical
Exam
CourseworkCour
sework
CourseworkCour
sework
Description of Item
%
weighting
Week
Due
On-line Quizzes (200 words)
20
Reflective learning log (1500 words)
40
12
Written assignment (ECA) (1500 words)
40
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Section Two: FACULTY USE
20 Nominated External Examiner
21 Nominated Module Leader at time of approval
22 Courses to which this module contributes and
whether Core or Option
If not pass on aggregate,
explain what is required to
pass the module
Dr David MacDonald
Section Three: OFFICIAL USE AND CODES – responsibility for completion is as indicated
23 Original date of approval (QEU)
24 Module approved to run from (QEU)
25 Revision date (specify cohort) (QEU)
26 Module specification version number (QEU)
27 SITS Mark Scheme (Academic Registry)
28 Subject Standards Board Name (Academic
Registry)